ENERGY STARQualified HomesTHE POWER TO PROTECT THE ENVIRONMENT THROUGH ENERGY EFFICIENCY1 This document is FCS3282, one of an Energy Efficient Home s series of the Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences, Florida Cooperative Extension Service, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida. This material was prepared with the support of the Department of Environmental Protection, Florida Energy Office. However, any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. Original publication date: June 2008. Visit the EDIS Web Site at http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu. 2 Nicholas W. Taylor Research Associate, Jeffrey Michael, Housing Systems Analyst, Craig Miller, Associate In, Program for Resource Efficient Comm unities, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611. For Immediate Release: June 30, 2008 For Immediate Release: June 30, 2008 An ENERGY STAR Qualified Home is a solid investment that pays for itself. An ENERGY STAR Qualified Home is a solid investment that pays for itself. For new 1,400 square foot homes built in Gainesville, Florida: For new 1,400 square foot homes built in Gainesville, Florida: A recent study conducted by the University of Floridas Program for Resource Efficient Communities found that annual energy costs are about $1,850. A recent study conducted by the University of Floridas Program for Resource Efficient Communities found that annual energy costs are about $1,850. Homes built to meet or exceed the ENERGY STAR standard can reduce energy consumption up to 30%, reducing average annual energy costs to about $1,300. Homes built to meet or exceed the ENERGY STAR standard can reduce energy consumption up to 30%, reducing average annual energy costs to about $1,300. The estimated additional cost to build an ENERGY STAR qualified home is about $2,500*. The estimated additional cost to build an ENERGY STAR qualified home is about $2,500*. A homeowner would actually save A homeowner would actually save money by building an ENERGY STAR qualified home because the additional cost, spread out over the life of a typical mortgage, is offset by the energy savings each month! For more details see www.energystar.gov

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It Pays to BuyENERGY STAR! 1 This document is FCSxxxx, one of an Energy Efficient Homes series of th Florida Cooperative Extension Service, Institute of Food and Agricultu with the suppo e Department of Fa nces, ral Sciences, Uni gy Office. d do not necessar of the Florida Visit the EDIS Web Site at http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu. st, Craig M ource mily, Youth and Community Scie versity of Florida. This material was prepared rt of the Department of Environmental Protection, Florida Ener conclusions, or recommendations expressed herein are those of the author(s) an However, any opinions, findings, ily reflect the views Department of Environmental Protection. Original publication date: June 20081Nicholas W. Taylor, Research Associate, Jeffrey Michael, Housing Systems Analy Efficient Communities, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611. iller, Associate In Program for Res For more information about the ENERGY STAR program, contact: Florida Energy Office 600 South Calhoun Street, Suite 251 Tallahassee, Florida 32399 1300 850 487 3800 www.dep.state.fl.us/energy *Based on an estimated 2% increase for standard upgrade features, including a more efficient air conditioning system, hot water system, upgraded windows, increased attic insulation, efficient lighting and appliances. Consult your builder for actual costs of upgraded features. **Annual energy costs are based on a recent residential energy analysis conducted by the University of Florida Program for Resource Efficient Communities. Yearly figures may not equal 12 times the monthly numbers due to rounding. ***Calculations are provided by the ENERGY STAR HomeCalc model at http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm? c=bldrs_lenders_raters.pt_homecalc ****The tax savings results from a larger federal income tax deduction from the additional interest on the larger mortgage for the ENERGY STAR home. You can increase the value of your home and put more money in your pocket while enjoying added comfort! How? By upgrading to an ENERGY STAR Qualified Home. Heres how it works. Lets say you build a new $150,000 home that meets the energy provisions of the 2004 Florida Residential Building Code. It is estimated that your annual energy costs for the home will be $1,850. Monthly Yearly Additional Mortgage ($18) ($216) Energy Savings $46 $550 Tax Savings**** $2 $27 Net Cash Flow $30 $361 Now, suppose you upgrade to an ENERGY STAR qualified home one that is 20 to 30 percent more energy efficient than the Code home with an additional investment of $2,500. Because your home is more energy efficient, youll pay only $1,300 a year in energy costs**. This gives you a net positive cash flow from the first month youre in the home! The results below, calculated using HomeCalc software ***, show the savings gained by current ENERGY STAR homeowners in the Gainesville area**. Compare Value Base Home Energy StarHome Sticker Price $150,000 $152,500 Down Payment $15,000 $15,250 Mortgage Amount $135,000 $137,250 Mortgage Payment $1,078 $1,096 Monthly Utility Bills $154 $108 Tax Savings**** None $2 Net Monthly Payment $1,233 $1,203 Net Monthly Savings $30 Expected Savings After:*** 7 Years $3,189 30 Years $33,271 You never talk payback with upgrades on counter tops, cabinets, or carpets with ENERGY STAR you never stop talking about p a y back..